This research tackles the issue of making microfluidics fabrication accessible to researchers who do not have access to a 3D printer due to financial constraints. This paper proposes interlocking channels that perform different functions and can be produced at a cost of 0.5USD for a 5000 piece library of different channel designs. A kit can then be sent to researchers who lack the equipment to print their own circuits. Channel width depends on the printing technology chosen and ranges from 50μm (SLA) to 500μm (MEX).
After a master mold is made, standard PDMS casting fabrication techniques can be used to create the final circuit. The authors showcase the technique by making a dye mixer and a droplet generator.
Making microfluidics research more accessible is a great goal and the paper is worth checking out.
Source: Negligible-cost microfluidic device fabrication using 3D-printed interconnecting channel scaffolds
